Martinez: A Magnificent Season

Everton's dreams of a champions league place came to an end today with defeat to Manchester City, although the real deciding factor was defeats to mid table Crystal Palace and Southampton, however manager Roberto Martinez looked to the positives of a strong first campaign in charge.

Martinez: "It's disappointing because it was a dream we had at the start of the season and we gave everything to achieve it.'

"But if you finish fifth, there is no room for disappointment. We need to get ready for the demands of being where we belong, in European competition.'

"In terms of making strides, the football has been outstanding. You cannot be disappointed, but as you can imagine, everyone is a little bit down because we wanted to go into the final game still fighting for Champions League football.'

"However you look at it, it's been a magnificent season,"

Whilst 3 defeats in the last few games has been a disappointing way to end a season which showed such promise, 5th place and finishing above Spurs and Manchester United with all the money they spent on players in the last 2 windows is a significant achievement.

12 months ago most Evertonians were justifiably concerned with the departure of the manager who spent a decade stabilising the club, there would have been very few supporters not more than satisfied with a return to Europe from Martinez first season at the club.